Ross Cameron Hart

I was born and grew up in the area - my family has served the legal needs of the area since 1892, over 120 years. My goal is to explain the legal process in plain English and to avoid the 'technical lawyer words' which only confuse many people. The primary focus of my firm is now "Elder Law" which broadly includes estate planning, Nursing Home admissions and Medicaid applications and adult guardianship. After a family member dies, we advise and assist in the estate administration process. In short, we help families plan and deal with aging and death and navigating the legal system.

• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  We charge a modest consultation fee which is less than half of the normal hourly rate for professional services. Our consultation usually takes an hour and frequently provides advice and information that the individual can use immediately. The fee for continued services is discussed at the consultation.

Virginia

Since 1976

4th Circuit

Since 1981

Owner/President

Hart & Hart Attorneys Ltd

1976 - Current

Family firm begun by my grandfather and his brother (Hon. John L. Hart) in 1892

University of Virginia School of Law

J.D. (1976)

1973 - 1976

Monmouth College

B.A. (1973) | Business Adm

1969 - 1973

SuperLawyer

SuperLawyers

2019

First listed as SuperLawyer in 2019 and annually since. Recognition of top 5% of lawyers in field of law

Chapter Member of Year

Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA)

2018

VAELA is a group of around 200 lawyers focusing on Elder Law; award recognizes member of chapter who contributes time, expertise, etc. for the chapter and other members.

Pro-bono Award, 2008 (23rd Circuit)

Virginia State Bar

2008

Award for pro-bono (low income clients)

NAELA

MEMBER

2008 - Current

Virginia Academy Elder Law Attorneys

Director

2008 - Current

Salem/Roanoke County Bar Ass'n

Member

2004 - Current

Virginia State Bar

Member

1976 - Current

Q. Can VA amended list of heirs reflect passing of heir before distribution?

July 29, 2025

A: First, do you have a lawyer advising on the handling of the estate? If not, please consult one to make sure no one makes an expensive mistake.

Second, the 'list of heirs' speaks as of the date of death; no amendment to the first one is needed. Instead, file a list of heirs (if the estate is going to have formal administration) or Real Estate Affidavit (if no estate administration) for the individual who just died which will establish the chain of title (ownership) for future handling. An experienced probate lawyer can guide you on this; consult one.

Q. Is a written eviction notice from the landlord required in Virginia for non-payment of rent?

July 28, 2025

A: Virginia Code 55.1-1245(F) requires a 5 day written notice 'served' on tenant; 'served' can be hand delivered by landlord .

Q. Are any marriage assets excluded from 50/50 distribution in VA dower state?

July 27, 2025

A: Unfortunately, you misunderstand the complexity of Virginia inheritance (and divorce) laws. There's a lot of 'if this fact, then that result' analysis needed. Focusing ONLY on the decedent's estate part of your question, 1) is there a will? If not, 2) does either party have children with someone OTHER than the surviving spouse? 3) is any property owned in survivorship (bank accounts, real estate, vehicles)? I don't do divorce work so won't answer that part, but it's just as complex.